Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023 Day 1
by David O'Brien 7 Jul 2023 06:01 AEST
6-9 July 2023
The J109 'Blast on Chimaera' crew return to harbour when strong winds cancelled the first races of Ireland's biggest sailing event at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta on Dublin Bay © Bob Bateman
The first day of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta saw the cancellation of nearly all racing due to strong winds. Five of the six courses at Ireland's largest sailing event were cancelled as the southerly breeze on Dublin Bay reached 38 knots.
Although around 400 boats and 2,000 sailors went to sea, the organisers had to cancel racing due to the gale force winds before the first warning signals.
Only the Flying Fifteens and Beneteau 211s one-design yachts managed to complete the first race out of the 22 competing classes. However, even on the more sheltered Salthill Race area in the northwest of the bay, both fleets were significantly reduced in number, and one of the 211s was dismasted.
The strong winds are expected to continue until Saturday, and the regatta will continue until Sunday. The Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, and Royal St. George Yacht Club are organizing the ninth Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.
For more information, see www.dlregatta.org